Baby you’re a firework lighter

[DanielPPP]

November 2023 (last year) I held a fireworks party, one of my friends found it hilarious when I was lighting the fireworks and running to a safe distance. He said he didn’t ever imagine seeing me running. At the same time I had my annual health assessment and the Nurse logged me as sedentary…. These two things made me realise I had to get off my ass and do some exercise. So I started couch to 5k.

The program was excellent, I used the NHS app and ran 3 times a week, even running in the cold pouring rain and on Christmas Day.

I’m now running 3 5k runs a week. My times aren’t fantastic (about 32 mins) but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that I’m doing it. My weight hasn’t changed much, but my body is a totally different shape and my clothes fit so much better.

If you are on the couch to 5k journey, please keep going. Don’t compare yourself too much to other people (especially running times). As long as you are running then you are doing great.

keep up the good work everyone!

(Thanks for reading this 😄)

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

This is such a great post to read. So much encouragement. Congratulations for all you’ve achieved. Wishing you many more happy miles and smiles ❤️

[AJ3959]

I also got of my bum I'm doing 10,000 steps a day eatting good food but still my weights the same 🤔

[DanielPPP Graduate in reply to AJ3959]

weight is such a silly measurement of progress, but we all use it… the right habits over a period of time will make your body go in the right direction

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

My weight hasn't changed much either over 3 years, but like you DanielPPP my shape is different. A lot of people talk about how muscle weighs more than fat etc as if it's an excuse to eat chocolate but it's true. Weight on its own doesn't tell the full story about fitness.

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏👏Thanks for writing in Daniel. Loved your story and your encouragement! Best of it’s so good that you are enjoying your runs! That’s what’s it’s ultimately all about!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done to you... Comparison is the thief of joy, indeed! On you go ! x

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

Congratulations ! This is what C25K is about being fitter not how fast but how fit !!! Keep it up

[Madwife60]

well done. Glad you feel so well. I had the same wake up call a couple of years ago and although I still run 3 times a week I can only dream of a 32 min 5k🤣. I have lost weight mainly because carrying an extra 4 stone was making knee replacements a looming threat but the running has definitely helped keep me on the straight and narrow.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Well, that nurse is going to have to change her records to ‘active’ now!🙂🤣

Well done on completing the program and making running part of your life - and I am sure this will inspire others starting out on the same journey! 🙂🏃‍♀️🏃🏾‍♂️